Gallic Acid-Functionalized, TiO₂-Based Nanomaterial-Preparation, Physicochemical and Biological Properties

Wound healing and skin tissue regeneration remain the most critical challenges faced by medical professionals. Titanium(IV) oxide-based materials were proposed as components of pharmaceutical formulations for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds and unsightly scarring. A gallic acid-functionalized TiO₂ nanomaterial (TiO₂-GA) was obtained using the self-assembly technique and characterized using the following methods: scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD), infrared spectroscopy (IR), Raman spectroscopy and thermogravimetry (TG). Additionally, physicochemical and biological tests (DPPH assay, Microtox^® acute toxicity test, MTT assay) were performed to assess antioxidant properties as well as to determine the cytotoxicity of the novel material against eukaryotic (MRC-5 pd19 fibroblasts) and prokaryotic (Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Candida albicans, Aliivibrio fischeri) cells. To determine the photocytotoxicity of the material, specific tests were carried out with and without exposure to visible light lamps (425 nm). Following the results, the TiO₂-GA material could be considered an additive to dressings and rinsing suspensions for the treatment of difficult-to-heal wounds that are at risk of bacterial infections.